By Sarah Richardson
This week, Opal Ramsey of Dille reached out to us at the Clay County Free Press to provide an account of her experience with getting a COVID-19 vaccine from the Clay County Health Department at the high school. On Wednesday, Feb. 17, Opal and her husband drove to the school to receive their first dose of the vaccine.
“It was the best executed vaccination site that I’ve seen anywhere,” she said. “You just don’t come in contact with such an excellent program in most places, we were shocked at how well run it was.” She recounts seeing long lines, wait times, and distribution issues reported from other vaccine administration sites around the United States, but said that the Clay site has no such issues.
“Everyone working was great, it was an excellent day for us, and we had so much dread based on what we saw on TV, but there was none of that here. There was nobody lined up, nobody fighting for spaces- it was so well executed.”
She added that the check in process was very smooth and easy to complete, compared to what you see at some other sites. “My husband went inside to sign us up and it didn’t take but a second, he told them that I have trouble walking so they came out to our car to talk to me, and later they brought the shot out so I wouldn’t even have to go inside. I can’t get over how easy they made what could have been a very difficult day.”
After she got the shot, Opal said the nurses monitored her just in case she had an allergic reaction, as she does have an allergy to another kind of medication. “They asked that we wait for 15 minutes, just in case, and they were very thorough.”
She added, “They are very worthy of praise. I’ve had people ask me why I live in Clay County, but the people here are what make it great. I’d like to commend the workers on their kindness and compassion for all the people of Clay.”
A nurse herself for 20 years, Opal is no stranger to the medical field, and said she highly recommends the vaccine process to anyone wishing to get one.
If you would like to get a vaccine, call 1-833-734-0965 or visit vaccinate.wv.gov to be placed on the waiting list. If you have already been placed on a list, you do not need to register again. Vaccinations are scheduled by age group, beginning with those 65 and older. Please do not arrive early to your vaccine appointment, and it is asked that you bring a valid form of photo ID with you.
